Report of various events

Report of the X’Mas Celebration 2011

held on Saturday the 26th of November 2011

Ho, Ho, Ho, Ho!!!
There comes the Santa with all his goodies for the kiddies.
On this a dull day – 26th Nov. 2011 – the Goan Association-Germany (GAG) brought out another surprise from Santa’s sack by presenting a great evening of Dine & Dance.
With the guests filling-up every chair available, the President of GAG, Mr. Vito Oliveira opened the grand evening with a short message to all and then proclaiming the party to begin.
There was lots of dancing. The DJs for the evening, Simoes & Simoes assured that guests of every age were provided with the music that they wanted. Lots of novelty prizes were given out for the dancing.
A well-spread buffet was laid-out by the buffet-master Mr. Michael Mascarenhas, which,  after a word of Thanksgiving, was opened to all.  That sure was one of the absolute highlights of the evening. One could only say – DELICIOUS! A well stocked bar assured that the spirits remained high.
Santa made his royal entry to the delight of all the children. These kids were even more delighted after receiving their goodies from Santa.
There were lots of prizes that were won for Tombola.
Another absolute highlight was the Carol-singing to the accompaniment of the 3 musicians – Joe King on the Saxophone and Esteves & Paulo Oliveira on the guitars. Great to see that everybody took part in it. 
The Organizing Committee thanked all the guests for being there. They also thanked all the sponsors and those who helped. The OC then wished all a MERRY CHRISTNAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!
For a short view of video please click the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBR-oJ3gnbw

 

Report of the Family Picnic/ World Goa Day 2011

held on Saturday the 23rd of July 2011

The Goan Association Germany – e.V. (GAG) held the World Goa Day together with the Family Picnic on the 23rd of July at the Schwannheimer Park in Frankfurt-Germany.
It was not an ideal day to have a picnic, with the skies being very dull and the weather being pretty chilly. Never-the-less as noon was approaching there was a head count of over 95 people, which was very encouraging.
The organizers very methodically got the main food ready. To supplement, the guests brought either a salad or a sweet dish. There was lots of food for everyone.
The President of GAG, Vito Oliveira gave a small speech about the World Goa Day and how it came into being. He very cathegorically mentioned the Founder of WGD – Mr. Rene Barreto and how the Goans the world over celebrate this day.
Vito also clarified the the World Goa Day is generally celebrated the world over on the 20th of August, but due to time constraints we had to celebrate it on the 23rd of July.
And to show our solidarity to the WGD, there was a Mando-singing session, whereby the young and old took part. The sounds of the drums, guitar & the mouth-organ only added to the melancoly.
As usual there was the game of Housie with lots of prizes and a couple of games for the children.
Surprisingly the weather showed its better side by not raining. All enjoyed and had lots of fun. The organizers were very well complimented by all for the wonderfull show they dished out.
In the end there was a big thunder-shower but by then everybody had already dispersed.

 

Report of the Christmas Get-Together 2010

held on Saturday the 27th of November 2010

The Goan Association Germany e.V. (GAG) sprang up another big surprise by successfully organizing their annual Christmas Celebration 2010 on the 27th of November 2010, the 1st Advent  weekend of the festive season..
It was a very cold and dull day.  Outside it was a thick white blanket of snow. Contrastingly inside the hall it was warm, bright and beautifully decorated. The hall  slowly started getting filled to its capacity especially with lots of guests coming from very far away.
With a little bit of delay the evening began with the MC giving the welcome address and then the President Vito Oliveira greeting all the guests.
The programme for the evening was meticulously planned and well executed. Lively & lovely music was dished out to the full satisfaction of all the guests. The DJs of the evening, Trevor & Jerome really had a fantastic selection, so much so that the crowd did not want to leave the dance floor.
All this time, in the background, Michael Mascarenhas the Chef-de-Buffet with his team did a fabulous job of getting the buffet ready. This well-laid sumptuous buffet was then opened to the guests but not before Monsignor Alker blessing the bounty. The guests ate to their stomach’s content with appreciatory messages coming from all corners more for the variety, the taste, the lay-out and the replenishments.
Of course, not  forgetting the well-stocked bar with very reasonable prices that kept the spirits high.
The highlight of the evening was the Carol singing by the youth which was so very well appreciated by the public that they had to repeat the Carols. There was also a solo guitar performance by Paolo Oliveira
Naturally no Christmas goes by without Santa. He made his grand appearance to the delight of all the kids – big & small. Along with his good-will Christmas messages he distributed goodies to all the kiddies. He left with a heavy heart but assured that the kids were happy.
In between all these, there was so much of dancing with lots of spot-prizes. And then it was time for the tombola. There were fantastic prizes to be won. It was great to see so many people winning these super prizes.
The desserts were served, the dancing continued, and the enjoyment went on till late in the night. Then with a heavy-laden heart the MC had to close the curtains of this grand show. 
He especially thanked Vito & Renate, Jerome & Trevor, Reggie& Theresa, Michael & Anita, Joanita & Fermino, Salvino, Margarethe & Gordon, Marina, The Youth for the Carol-singing, Sylvia, John Cabral, Shanta and all those who helped in which-ever way. Till the next time.
The GAG wishes you ‘A MERRY CHRISTMAS’ and ‘A HAPPY, HEALTHY & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR 2011’

 

Report of the X’Mas party 2009

The Goan Association Germany e.V. (GAG) organized their annual Christmas Party on the 28th of November 2009, which was the 1st Advent week-end of the season, at the Pfarrgemeinde St. Christophorus’ hall in Preungeheim.

Nothing like a good party mood with a live band in attendance. The Goan Fusion drove all the way from Paris to entertain a very large crowd that attended. The show started with the elections of a new committee. This was only for the members of the GAG.  With Matano taking the charge of the elections, it was held in a very orderly manner. This ensured that the crowd was slowly getting impatient and was waiting to get going with the dancing.

Shortly thereafter the ‘MC’ greeted all and sundry and opened the evening for dancing. With the Goan Fusion dishing out such lovely music, it was but natural that all were on the dance floor.

Once again Michael Mascarenhas did a masterly and professional job in getting a lovely buffet laid especially with the replenishment with the dishes. The orderly queue did eat to their stomach’s full. The bar was very well managed by JoJo and Trevor.

Santa made his grand appearance and got the kiddies screaming in glee. They all danced around him and then Santa had something for every kid.

There were lots of novelty prizes for the various dance pieces. The tombola was again a big hit with many, many prizes for takes. Shortly after midnight the curtains fell and all left fully satisfied.

The organizing committee wishes all members & their families and the rest a “MERRY CHRISTMAS” n “A HAPPY, HEALTHY n PROSPORUS NEW YEAR 2010”.

 

Report of the Summer Grill Party organized by GAG at Schwanheimer Park 2009

held on Saturday the 25th of July 2009

This year too there was a very overwhelming response from the members and their families who all, en masse, attended the picnic. The weather was ideal although rain was forecast. The organizers did their very best to keep all satisfied with the food and drinks. In fact the food was so well arranged that we had grilled dinner too. A well-stocked bar kept all in high sprits.
Almost everybody brought either a salad or a sweet-dish, which supplemented very well with the main food that the organizers brought.
There was a round of Hausie with lots of very good prizes.
The highlight of the Picnic was the Mando singing . All were handed printed leaflets of these Mandos, enabling them to sing without hunting/searching for the words. Antony & Michael kept the beat going with their drums.  Surprisingly almost everybody took part in this session especially those who didn’t know any of these Mandos not minding that some did sing out of tune. Important was that everybody taking part in it.
Thereafter there were various games for grown-ups as well as for the kids.
All in all it was a very good day full of enjoyment, both for young and old. At the end of the day after having their grilled dinner, all had to disperse but not before thanking the organizers for dishing-out  another successful event.
The organisers in return thanked all for their co-operation and help and also for bringing the salads, sweet-dishes, for donating prizes for the Hausie and for the games.
Till the next time….Adios

 

Report of Goa Nite Ball 2009

ANNUAL GOA NITE BALL IN GERMANY

By Mariano Pereira, Frankfurt Germany

The Annual "Goa Nite Ball" held by the Goan Association Germany, e.V.,  in Frankfurt was the event of the  year for this small Goan Community here with quite a large participation of Goans, Germans and other nationalities.

 For as many as some 200 people attending the function the hall was full to its capacity  which is rare here in comparison to the small size Goan population existing in this part of the world. The Band "GOAN FUSION" specially brought from Paris played almost non-stop Goan and international tunes that kept the entire dancing floor permanently under occupation by the dance aficionados. The "GOAN FUSION" comprising of four young Goan musicians from Paris as Vito Oliveira the President of Goan Association Germany mentioned provided their services to the Goan Community here.

A sumptuous assorted buffet of homemade Goan Veg & non-Veg dishes were served all prepared themselves by the members of the executive committee under the guidance of Michael Mascarenhas. Portuguese Red Vine, German Beer and other beverages we also available in the bar sold at reasonable prices.

Despite unawareness on the number of guests attending the function the Committee members must be commended for no shortage of food even for a second serving. Historically the idea of prior notification by the participants doesn't seem to be working well here with the Goan community.

What comes to mind is the ever increasing number of young generation participating in the GAG activities and attraction to people coming from far away destinations. If the trend continues the GAG would have to keep the pressure on the accelerator to tackle the challenges going forward.

The MC did a fine job as usual comparing the show and kept the crowed entertained until late evening.  Vito and his team comprising of  Gordon Ferrao,  Jerome Simoes, Michael Mascarenhas, Avelar Nunes and Joanita Bach deserves a pat on the back for the well organized function.

 

Report of the X`Mas Party 2008

29th  November 2008, the 1st Advent weekend, a cold & chilly Saturday was the day selected for the X’Mas Party celebrated by the Goan Association Germany e.V. It was in fact a day to remember. The hall was over packed. Therea was no more place let in the hall. With this unexpected crowd, the organizers had a very trying time getting everything in place. After the President of the GAG, Mr. Vito Oliveira, welcomed the guests there were various programmes that followed.
There was the Goa Queen competition.  3 judges got about with the competitors doing their rounds, by introducing themselves, doing the cat-walks and answering to the various questions. This time around the queen was not selected by the 3 judges but voted by the public. Jade Martins was selected as the 2nd runner-up, Kathleen Cabral was the 1st runner-up. And the winner is ..... Maxiana Cardoso who was elected the Goa Queen Germany 2008-2009. Kimberley Nunes, the Goa Queen 2007 officially crowned Maxiana. The President of GAG put the sash around the queen. There were blushing faces everywhere and everyone congratulating the other.
There was a lovely buffet, well managed & displayed by the buffet-master, Michael Mascarenhas. Fr. John Marsh said a short prayer and officially blessed the buffet.  With such wide variety of dishes everybody ate to their stomach’s content. There was a full-fledged bar, ably managed by Jerome Simoes.
There was lovely music managed by the DJ of the evening Reggie DeSousa and also a one-man-band performed by the one and only Joe ‘King’ Furtado. There were many novelty prizes. The dance floor was packed and the people really enjoyed themselves.
Of course no Christmas party goes by without Santa making his appearance. The children screamed in glee seeing him. He had lots of goodies for the kiddies. There was tombola with lots & lots of prizes. With so much of winning & dinning, so many prizes to be won, the mood had to be good. A great place to meet old acquaintances and to make new friends
Special thanks to the 3 judges of the queen contest Sylvia Klafki, Theresa DeSousa & Belinda D’Mello, Zelia for the roses & bouquets and the co-ordinator of the programme Joanita Bach. To Reggie DeSousa n Joe Furtado for the lovely music. To Sylvia, Shanta, Esther, Mrs. Williams for donating prizes for the tombola & John Cabral for sponsoring the prizes for the kids. To Salvino & Margaret for donating the wonderful cake for dessert. A big thanks to Vito, Renate, Jerome, Zelia, Michael, Anita, Gordon, Margaret, Joanita, Fermino, Joe, Trevor, Marina, Kimberley for all your help and to those that we might have forgotten to mention.
The organizing committee wishes all members & their families and the rest of you a MERRY CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR 2009

DEV BOREM KORUM

 

Report of the Summer Grill Party organized by GAG at Schwanheimer Park 2008

held on Saturday the 19th of July 2008

Well, well, well the weather forecast was not supposed to be bright & sunny. It was not very conducive to have this party on this day. But surprise, surprise – we’d an almost perfect weather albeit for a short passing thunder shower. But that did not spoil the mood of all those present. In fact we had more crowd that beat all our expectations. But they all brought either a salad or a sweet-dish which did supplement for the the grill meats.

The President opened the day by welcoming all and wishing bon-appetite, whereby the food was opened. All ate to their stomach’s full. Later we had a game of Hausie which was followed by various party games for kids & adults. There were lots of prizes for all these games. Highlight of the day was everybody taking part in a Mando singing session.

Special thanks to Michael, Joanita, Jerome, Gordon, Vito & Avelar and their families for all that they did for this grand success. Thanks also to Johnny, Savio, Thereza, Shanta, Sylvia, Esther and all those who helped. 

Amateur mando singing from the members of GAG:

 

 

Report of the GOA-NITE-BALL 2008

28th June 2008

Again another very well organized event from the Goan Association Germany e.V (GAG). There were lots of people inspite of the summer holidays and the European Cup. After the M.C. opened the evening, the President of GAG Vito Oliveira welcomed all the people and wished them an enjoyable evening. The weather was perfect. The guests were treated to some lovely live music from the one and only Joe ‘King’ Furtado. He was backed-up by some scintillating music from the DJ of the evening – Reggie. With so much of dancing  around, there was definetely lots of novelty prizes to be given out.

We had a full-fledged buffet with various items which was very well managed by the buffet- master Michael. A well-stocked bar did help in keeping the spirits high. Jerome did a perfect job at the entrance and Joanita managed with the hall deco and all the prizes. Gordon set-up the sound system and the lighting.

There was the tambola with lots of  prizes. Play Station with a large screen and Poker was also provided for the youth.

Our special thanks to our sponsors for the various prizes: Shanta, Fely Saptel, Michael Mascarenhas, Joanita, Gordon, Vito. To Savio Mendonca for those Maritim Hotel Vouchers, Thelma Noronha for the Sash & Zelia for those lovely roses.

 

Report of the GAG X’MAS PARTY 2007

held on 1st December 2007 at Preungesheim (Frankfurt)

The Goan Association Germany e. V. (GAG) celebrated their annual  X’MAS PARTY on the  1st of December 2007.  This party was scheduled to begin at 18:00 hours.  A big surprise was that the people started trickling in much, much before time. Some guests were already in their seats at 17:15 hours. As the hall started slowly getting full, so too the organizational activities started getting more hectic.

Our guest-of-honour was Mr. Ajit Kumar, Consul General, Consulate General of India, Frankfurt and his family.  Although we had a full house by 18:30 hours and the guests were having their snacks & drinks(we had a well-stocked bar) , we officially opened the evening at 19:10 , with the master-of-ceremonies welcoming all the guests and a special welcome to the guest-of-honour. Mr. Ajit Kumar was invited upstage to say a few words. Mr. Kumar was ever so glad to oblige and said he was happy to be attending this function. He also said that he is very new to Frankfurt and he attended a function of the Kerela Samaj and the Gujrati Community. He said he was happy with the diaspora of all the communities in Germany. Mr. Kumar wished the Goan Association Germany all the very best and to all the guests a Merry Christmas. The President of the GAG, Mr. Vito Oliveira, then thanked Mr. Ajit Kumar and the guests.  

After building a very good appetite with lots of dancing, good music supplied by our DJ for the evening Reggie, the grand and sumptuous Goan buffet was officially declared opened. The guests ate to their stomach’s full. During dinner there was a konkanni singing session performed by Michael Machado & Pinto, which was well appreciated by the people.

The highlight of the evening was The Nativity Scene narrated, enacted and performed by the kids. There was pin-drop silence and the guests were spell-bound. After this act these kids sang Christmas Carols. The guests appreciated it so much that (with a chorus of ‘once more’) they were asked to sing again.

This was followed by lots of dancing and then Santa made his grand appearance. The kids danced around him and subsequently Santa presented every kid with a gift and, after some time, to the disappointment of all the kids sadly he had to leave. After some more dancing we had a round of tambola. There were lots of wonderful prizes .

For the kids different activities & games were organized in a special room downstairs. There was Poker, Play station, cards, drawing and much more.

Shortly after midnight the master of ceremonies had to say goodbye to the guests and officially closed the evening wishing all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2008. He thanked them all and wished them a safe & pleasant journey back home.

Our special thanks to Michael & Anita, Joanita, JoJo & Fermino, Renate & Vito, Jerome, Zelia & Trevor, Gordon, Selwyn & Margareth, Avelar & Marina, Reggie & Theresa for all their hard work. Thanks to Victoria, Marianne, Kimberley, Allwyn, Kathleen, Jade, Jason, Karlisle, Carolin, Janice, Clarence, Annelie, Stencel, Liesenne & Clarissa for their acting & singing. Thanks to Matano for his support. Also thanks to John Cabral for donating the goodies for the kiddies. To Shanta, Ester, Antony & Lenny, Tim & Lucy, Jolwyn & John, Audrey, Rocque , Harish, Elfi & Brian Albuquequer and  Sylvia  - a big thank you too.

Till the next time – Deu Borem Khorum.

 

Report of GAG Family Picnic 2007

The Goan Association Germany had their annual family picnic on Saturday the 21st of July at the Schwannheimer Park. It was not a very sunny day iniatially, but inspite of that, guests slowly started trickling in to attend. The organizers were very early there to ensure that a good & exclusive spot could be reserved. The BBQ fires got going at 10:30 hrs to make sure that the guests get their food on time.

We had lovely pork steaks specially prepared for us. We had very spicy, but very tasty too, pork sausages. There was also beef sausages. The Simoes’ also marinated chicken to grill, which was very tasty and well appreciated by all the guests. The guests brought along lot of salads, sweet-dishes and different types of rice.

We had a fully stocked bar. The drinks were sold at very nominal prices. The GAG Treasurer Mr. Jerome Simoes did a great job in managing the bar. Some guests even brought Caju Feni and shared with others.

We had an attendence of over 80 people. The food was free for all the members. The meal was officially declared opened at 12:30 hrs after the President of GAG Mr. Vito Oliveira giving a short speech by welcoming the people & wishing them a good day & enjoyment. After all the guests were fully satisfied & ate to their stomach’s full, we had a session of Mando singing. The PRO of GAG Mrs. Joanita Bach made copies of different Mandos and distributed them to the guests to sing along. Although we did not have any conventional music instruments, Anthony D’Silva & Michael Mascarenhas (Gen. Sec) improvised and set in a good music-rhythm for the Mandos. Everybody took part in this very successful Mando singing.

Later we had a round of Housie. There were fantastic prizes and all were happy. The kiddies were not forgotten – there  was a game of musical-hat for them too.

Even a thunder-shower at around 17:15 hrs didn’t damper the mood of the guests. Johnny (very graciously) sponsored ice-cream for all. It was a great oppurtunity for all to meet old people and get to know new aquaintences.

All in all it was great fun and enjoyment for all, so much so we’d to grill again in the evening so that the people could leave for home not thinking what to prepare for dinner. We wound-up at 20:30 hrs.

We, the organizers, greatfully thank all who brought along  salads, sweet-dishes, rice , ice-creams, ice,  etc. etc. All who volunteered to help, who brought their chafing-dishes and most importantly to all who attended. Till the next time from the organizing committee a very big "DEU BOREM KORUM".

Watch a 50seconds improvised konkani mando singing video:

 

 

Goa Nite Ball / World Goa Day 2007

Goan Association Germany celebrates World Goa Day and Goa Nite Ball

 

Goan Association Germany e. V. (GAG) celebrated the World Goa Day and Goa-Nite-Ball on the 16th of June 2007 in Frankfurt. With over 150 people attending the function, it was a tremendous success. The hall was packed above capacity.

The Master of Ceremonies opened the evening with a welcome speech and then explained the meaning of World Goa Day. The GAG also had a beauty queen contest for the first time ever, which was a grand success. There were 13 contestants and after doing their catwalks and answering the questions, the final 3 were selected. After going through their though rounds Ms. Serena DeMello was declared the 2nd runner-up, Ms. Marianne Bach , the 1st runner-up.  Ms. Kimberley Nunês was crowned the Goa Nite Queen by the President of GAG Vito Oliveira.

As an added attraction the GAG also had a troupe performing the Bollywood dances. The crowd amused themselves with some scintillating music, with lots of novelty prizes, very good food, a full-fledged bar and meeting old aquaintainces. For the youth there was a Play-station and later on a Youth-Disco. Even a Poker table was organized for those with a vice. For the kiddies there was drawing  and other games. There were lots of prizes for the tambola too.

The out-going President Matano Gracias introduced the newly-elected committee to the crowd and wished them good luck in taking the GAG to bigger heights. The newly-elected members of the committee are: Vito Oliveira – President, Gordon Ferrao – Vice President, Jerome Simoes – Treasurer, Michael Mascarenhas – Gen. Secretary, Avelar Nunês – Joint Secretary & Joanita Bach – Public Relations Officer.  The President and the vice-President also spoke on the occassion.

Although there were smiling faces everywhere, and the people just wouldn’t want to leave, it was well past midnight that the Master of Ceremonies thanked the people for their support and co-operation, wished them a safe journey back home and officially closed the day. All left very satisfied and with heaps of praises to the organizers for bringing out such a lovely evening. In return the organizers promised to do even better the next time, in keeping up the rich culture & traditions of Goa.